Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy Launches ‘OnBoard’ System for Visually Impaired Commuters on BMTC Buses

News Flash

12 July

Revolutionary assistive technology enables independent and dignified travel for the blind and low-vision community in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: In a landmark move towards inclusive urban mobility, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Thursday inaugurated the rollout of the “OnBoard” assistive system for visually impaired commuters in Bengaluru. Developed to foster independent, safe, and dignified travel, the system is now being implemented across the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) fleet.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Reddy emphasised the government's commitment to inclusive infrastructure:

“The OnBoard system is not just a piece of technology—it is a tool of empowerment. We are committed to ensuring that every citizen, regardless of ability, can travel with safety and dignity,” said Ramalinga Reddy, Minister for Transport, Government of Karnataka.

The initiative, which began as a pilot project, is now scaling across 500 BMTC buses in collaboration with Continental Automotive Components India Pvt. Ltd., the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Raised Lines Foundation (RLF), and Enable India.

How the On Board System Works

At the heart of On Board lies a two-part communication system:

1. A remote device carried by the commuter

2. A receiver unit with a speaker installed on the bus (near the front entry door)

As a bus approaches, the commuter presses the “Find” button on their device. The speaker on the bus audibly announces the route number. If it matches, the commuter presses “Select”, alerting the driver and conductor. The crew ensures the bus halts long enough for safe boarding. A similar alert assists with disembarkation.

Key Features

• Alerts users when the selected bus is within 30 meters

• Ensures driver and conductor are notified of a visually impaired passenger

• Devices are rugged, weather-tested, and user-friendly

• Proven to reduce anxiety and dependency

Pilot to Expansion: A Proven Model

The system was piloted on 25 BMTC buses along the frequently used 401K and 242B routes, impacting over 500 visually impaired users, with 25 active testers during the trial phase.

“I now feel independent and no longer anxious while waiting for the bus. It’s a big change,” shared one of the pilot participants.

Following overwhelmingly positive feedback, BMTC approved installation in 500 buses, prioritizing high-use routes such as 401K, 401R, 401M, 410FA, and 410FG. The next 100 installations began in June 2025, with full deployment expected by August 2025.

Implementation and Technical Backbone

• Developed by: IIT Delhi

• Executed by: Raised Lines Foundation (RLF), a non-profit from IIT Delhi

• Funded and proposed by: Continental Automotive Components India Pvt. Ltd.

• Deployed with support from: BMTC, which provided 125 diesel buses for initial integration

“This is a model of successful public–private partnership. We thank Continental, RLF, and all the users who helped improve the system,” said a BMTC official.

A National Blueprint for Inclusive Transit

As the OnBoard system gains momentum, other states are exploring adoption of the model. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy called upon national and state-level policymakers, technologists, and transport agencies to replicate and scale inclusive solutions.

“This is a blueprint for accessible public transportation nationwide. We invite other states to learn from Bengaluru’s example,” Reddy added.

The official rollout concluded with a live system demonstration, user testimonials, and a media interaction calling for stronger public-private collaboration to build a barrier-free transport ecosystem.